Review: Recess Monkey: The Final Funktier

The Final Funktier is a kids' music album that is (a) delightful for grownups too and (b) features largely space-themed tracks. Win! As much as I enjoy They Might Be Giants' Here Come the 123s and Here Comes Science and Barenaked Ladies' Snack Time, I'm growing weary of their repeat play in my house, and was psyched to find this newly released spacey album from a band I hadn't heard of before, Recess Monkey, which is composed of three Seattle kindergarten teachers. The album reminds me a lot of Barenaked Ladies, actually, with songs ranging from the poppy "Jet Pack" to the funky "Ukulalien" to the just really fun "Constellation Conga," varied in style but with intelligent, articulate, often funny lyrics that only rarely get a cheap laugh through goofiness. The songs are mostly upbeat and danceable, even the slightly slower "Galax Sea" and "One Tiny Light." You can preview all the songs at Amazon. My favorite track was actually one of the few non-space ones on the album, "Sunglasses."

Anyway, the album is highly recommended. Here's a low-budget but enjoyable video from the album: "Jet Pack."